If Oprah can do it...

Okay, so recently I got to thinking about some of my favorite things. Random stuff I use around the house, or my favorite gadgets that help navigate me through my day (basically, non-camera related stuff). So, for those interested, here are a few of my favorite things...

1. My husband (sorry, this one isn't for sharing) :)
2. Rachael Ray cook books/magazine/morning show.
3. "The New Messies Manual"
4. iPhone
5. Clinique makeup
6. A good pair of jeans (my shameful favorite jeans secret exposed; my new favorite pair "Stella Boot Cut")
7. Converse
8. Buffalo Exchange in Long Beach
9. It's A Grind
10. My amazing Associate and Second Shooter, Emily.

Wedding Tip or Trick of the Week

Associate ~ Second Shooter ~ Assistant

Today I want to bring up a topic, often of great confusion, for brides and grooms to be. Photographers use terms like "assistant," "second shooter," or "associate photographer" frequently without defining what this technical jargon means to their couples.

So, here we go!

Associate - an associate, or partner, photographer is generally someone the principal (or main photographer; the one whose name is on the business) has trained up in their style of photography. The associate photographer may also be available to photograph your wedding at a reduced rate from the principle photographer's rate; a partner photographer may be available to photograph your wedding, but often at the same rate as the principle since they are considered equals, rather than having the apprentice type of relationship.

Second Shooter - this person is along for the day. The second shooter acts just like the principle photographer on your wedding day, by photographing similarly. Often times one may cover the cocktail hour while the other is photographing the formals. The second shooter is important in providing a fuller perspective of coverage at your wedding.

Assistant - the job of the assistant is to primarily assist the photographer. This may include getting/moving gear, arranging people for the formal portraits, holding lights or reflectors, setting up reception slide shows and more. Generally, the assistant will not be taking any photos at your wedding.

Well, I hope this has helped provide a little clarity! As always, if you have other questions - feel free to leave them in a comment.

Wedding Tip or Trick of the Week

Save the Date Cards

According to Wikipedia, a Save the Date card is "similar to an invitation and is mailed up to one year before the wedding date. Save the dates simply announce that the wedding date has been set and encourages recipients to plan for the event. It is not used as a substitute for the wedding invitation and typically mentions that an invitation will follow. The save the date can also allow you to let guests know what area of the country the wedding will be held."

Last week I was chatting with my sister-in-law, Jessica, about which engagement photo to use for their Save the Date postcard that I designed (a new service we offer). I have always seen the value of such a card - especially when out of town guests are involved - but Jessica said something I hadn't considered before.

"And it will help us check our address list."

It was that simple - and yet it was the first time I heard this phenomenal idea - to send out a Save the Date card to check your guest list addresses and correct any problems before sending out your wedding invitations.

So, all of you genius brides have probably already figured this out - but just in case any of you, like me, never considered the brilliance of this idea - here you go. Enjoy!

Todd & Frances's E-Session

I had a great time yesterday meeting up with Todd and Frances down at Seal Beach. We shot their engagement session right at dusk, so it provided a lot of fun and exciting shots!

Todd and Frances are getting married July 12, 2008 at the in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. I can't wait!

Enjoy a few of my favorites from their session - and don't miss the slide show at the end of this post.

Congrats you two!

Jeff & Katie's E-Session

Jeff and Katie are amazing. Yup, they are - and I can't wait to photograph their wedding next month!

I had the most amazing time with them this weekend in downtown Manhattan Beach shooting their engagement session. We met up bright and early and had a blast exploring the strand and shooting down at the water.

Jeff and Katie are an obviously great match - it's so clear even in their photos. So, I hope you enjoy my favorites (below) and the slide show.

Thank you so much for a fabulous shoot, you too!